Loading file causes OR to Crash

[frliss]

Hi all,

I've downloaded the file crsd40_1.zip ( Conrail SD40-2 #6392 ) from the file library and made a consist with it. The engine shows up fine in the TSRE consist editor. However, when I try to run the consist OR crashes. I've also noticed that the shape file is not compressed. If I try to compress the shape file using SFM I get an "object error". I've attached the OR log file.

OpenRailsLog.txt

Any help would be appreciated,

Fred

[wmuzeke]

In the shape file - line 45509 - there is a stray backslash. Delete the one that is at the end of this line - tcb_key ( 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 )\
After you do that it should compress with SFM. It ran okay for me after doing this.

[frliss]

Thanks for the info. The files are working fine now.

Fred

[R. Steele]

If I'm not mistaken that's an old error from the original MSTS SD40-2 --- people just don't take a moment to correct the bad MSTS shape file before using it.

[pschlik]

If I'm not mistaken that's an old error from the original MSTS SD40-2 --- people just don't take a moment to correct the bad MSTS shape file before using it.

Had no idea that is what prevented the MSTS SD40-2 from loading! Thought the file must have been corrupted before being preserved on the internet archive but nope, just a classic case of MSTS being way too willing to accept broken files and Kuju failing to catch their own mistakes.

[R. Steele]

Yep, it's like a rite-of-passage in the hobby, finding that error and correcting it.

[slipperman]

Hi wmuzeke,
Sorry, but I think you gave the wrong line number!
I'm sure it's line 80779 in the original v1.2 and line 81242 in the 1.4 updated version of the SD40-2.
Line 45509 is within the vertices section and doesn't contain any 'tcb-key' entries - they are in the 'animations' section.

Cheers,
Ged

[R. Steele]

You can decompress the file and open it in any editor --- Context in my example --- and use the "find text" function using the symbols 0 )\ --- this should turn up any backslashes that fit the description.

findtext.jpg

[wmuzeke]

The line number reference is from the shape file that is included with the locomotive - TKW_CR_SD40-2_6392.s

TKW_CR_SD40-2_6392.s.jpg

[frliss]

I found it right where you said it would be, line 45509. Also, I had so many files that after a while I just began searching for the backslash. It was a lot easier.

Fred

[eric]

It's possible that variations of the model will have the error on different lines. Searching for the backslash should give you the right result.

[slipperman]

Hi wmuzeke,
My apologies!
Although the original model for the Conrail SD40-2 #6392 posted by Fred was created by "Train Artisan for MS", it must have been an earlier model (maybe MSTS v1?) for the spurious slash to be on line 45509.

Cheers,
Ged

[uli2]

Hi Ged and wmuzeke,
the shape file of the original SD40-2 from MSTS update 1.4 has 81355 lines, the shape file from Conrail SD40-2 #6392 has 45622 lines. The reason for this difference: Someone removed the whole "distance level" section from the shape file included in "crsd40_1.zip".
In both files the backslash is in exactly the same place at the end of the 8th line in the "anim_node WIPERBLADELEFT1" section. In the shape file of the original MSTS (TA) SD40-2 this is line 81242, in the shape file of the Conrail repaint it is line number 45509.

I remember when I installed Open Rails for the first time years ago the consist I chose for my first OR run had two of the original SD40-2s at the head. Of course they were not displayed in OR. My conclusion was that either OR was crap or my computer was not fit to handle it. I am glad I did not decide to give up on Open Rails ...

Cheers,
Uli

[wmuzeke]

Hi wmuzeke,
My apologies!
Although the original model for the Conrail SD40-2 #6392 posted by Fred was created by "Train Artisan for MS", it must have been an earlier model (maybe MSTS v1?) for the spurious slash to be on line 45509.

Cheers,
Ged

No worries. It is interesting to hear the backstory on how this issue originated.

[frliss]

I am amazed at the idea that this error propagated through several versions of SD40-2. For example Chessie #7615.

How can anyone release a file that will not display or cause a program crash?

Fred